Controlled synthesis of multi-shelled transition metal oxide hollow structures through one-pot solution route

As one type of promising candidates for environmental and energy-related systems, multi-shelled transition metal oxide hollow structures (MS-TMOHSs) have drawn great scientific and technical interest in the past few years. This article highlights recent advances in one-pot solution synthesis of MS-TMOHSs. We begin it with an overview of synthetic strategies that have been exploited to achieve these peculiar structures. We then focus on one-pot solution approaches in the following four sections: i) soft templates directed growth; ii) Ostwald ripening; iii) controlled etching; and iv) gas bubble assisted growth. After giving a brief discussion on the unique properties and applications of these multi-shelled hollow structures, we conclude this review with the general challenges and the potential future directions of this exciting area of research.